Cops Look at Hate Crime in NY Punching Death

Jeffrey Babbitt dies after random attack

(Newser)
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The death of a man who suffered a skull fracture and brain hemorrhage in Manhattan after being punched has been ruled a homicide, NY1 reports. Jeffrey Babbitt (some outlets use the spelling "Jeffery Babbit"), 62, was walking in Union Square around 3pm last Wednesday when Lashawn Marten allegedly punched him in the face in an apparently random attack, the New York Times reports. Marten, who is also reportedly known as Martin Redrick, said he wanted to "punch the first white man I see," police say.

When two men came to help Babbitt, who hit his head on the pavement when he fell, Marten allegedly hit them, as well. Marten was arrested and charged with three counts of assault, but in light of Babbitt's death yesterday, those charges will probably be upgraded by a grand jury, which is hearing the case today, police say. Marten was allegedly yelling racist threats as he walked out of the subway station before the attack. Police are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime, Gothamist reports.

An American flag flies at half-staff in Union Square in New York, Wednesday, April 17, 2013.
(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Lashawn Marten/Martin Redrick, Obummer/Harrison J. Bounel. Must be a black thing. Two names. I wonder what the Revs Al & Jesse think about this? The guy supposedly says he wants to punch the first white he sees and the cops say it MAY be a hate crime. Hey Lashawn or whatever your name is, come over to my neighborhood and try to punch me. I'll be waiting.

tiredofthis

Sep 11, 2013 11:03 PM CDT

Why is this continuing to happen in this Country. This man did nothing wrong, except be born white. Does anyone see the trend everyday, that I do? What is going to be done to stop this black on white crime? This is not racist, it is real. I feel so sorry for his ailing Mother. Do you think Al Sharpton, I mean Rev Al Sharpton does? Something is going to break this vicious cycle soon. I hope.

SuperLemonTony

Sep 11, 2013 8:40 AM CDT

Lashawn Marten umm.. let me guess another ignorant negro bored boy? Sad this race is as bad as it is, and it is even worse the other races who cry with them when they call "its a black thing" card again.
Convict him to death by a wrecking ball to the face, after his complimentary "watermelon drank" skittles and Robitussin cocktail.

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